Hi all, I just wondered if many of you have had experience of using heat mats for breeding. I have always used heat lamps but find them pretty overpowering and dehydrating for the bitch, it was fine when I used to breed Labs and Rotties years ago but I have Border Terriers now and with this last litter we have used infer red heaters on a third of the box but the whole environment is really warm...the puppies are loving it and thriving but Mum seems hot. I do worry that she will chew through as she is a bit of a chewer by nature....

You can get heat pads with armoured flexes. 

I would never use a lamp as my breed do not like heat. 

I use a heatpad that is about A4 size and the pups can use it in the centre and bitch lying to the side is comfortable.

I use heatpads, from Warwick Whelping boxes, the cords are covered and cannot be chewed -my dogs have tried and did not manage. They have strong plastic on top and even if that is chewed off, it is metal underneath. I always make sure it does not cover the entire whelping box so the mum can move out of the way.

We used a Warwick heat pad, very effective and well made. I'd recommend them as well worth the money.

I like the metal petnap ones

Can't remember the name but I sort of changed from lamp to mat successfully. I have it in place so I can turn the lamp on occasionally. Just never quite had the confidence to do without it completely.
Old habits die hard as they say but I do use the mat for the most part and never had a bitch even think about chewing it..

Thank you that's great they have one of the small round microwave ones which they love...will look into the mats further

I have one of those too and they are useful especially if you have to take a puppy to the vet for any reason. I always wrap mine in a blanket or wrap as to start with they can be a bit too hot.